Editorial: Marin's gun buyback program is an important step

MARIN'S GUN buyback program may appear to be largely symbolic in a county with little gun violence, but there's nothing wrong with taking a stand. Especially after the tragedy in Newtown.

And there is gun-related violence here. The recent shooting at the Transit Center in San Rafael is just one example.

Marin District Attorney Ed Berberian is right. We need to "do something more than just talk."

The program was proposed by Berberian and Supervisor Susan Adams. "When do you say 'enough,'" Adams asked.

We commend their passion and their swift action. We also applaud county supervisors for quickly approving their gun buy-back plan.

Jan. 15 was selected as the day for Marin's gun buyback. That was no accident.

It is the birthday of civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr., who was killed by an assassin's bullet, Berberian noted.

Details are still being worked out, but the program will include more than taking guns off the streets. The goal is to make sure authorities are prepared and trained to respond to such tragedies and that schools also are ready in the event that the unthinkable happens here. Steps will be taken to make sure that mental health programs get the attention they need.

Those are all good steps. They will make a difference in addition to raising awareness.

Recent gun drives in San Francisco and Oakland took nearly 600 weapons out of circulation. People who turned guns in received $200.

Skeptics scoff at buyback programs. They say bad guys won't turn their guns in, or they will use the money to buy a better one. Perhaps. But that doesn't mean taking guns off the street doesn't make a difference. Many shooting victims are wounded by accident, by guns being discharged inadvertently or by children.

The county is accepting donations to pay for the guns that are turned in.

We often feel helpless when such tragedies occur or when the debate involves complicated issues such as gun violence that involve so many factors, including access to assault weapons and clips of ammunition.

This buyback program allows us to take a stand, to do something, to say "enough," whether we are making a donation or turning in a gun.

HOW TO DONATE TO BUYBACK PROGRAM

Those who want to make tax-deductible contributions to Marin County's gun buyback program may make checks out to the Marin County District Attorney, with a notation in the memo portion saying Gun Buy-Back Program.Mail donations to the County of Marin, Attention Janice Hughes, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 130, San Rafael, 94903.